GPs encouraged to use digital forms and X-ray pathways when referring children with suspected scoliosis
GPs are invited to visit www.childrenshealthireland.ie/spinal, where they can find a “GP Resource Pack” to consult when referring a patient with suspected scoliosis.
Nov. 15, 2024
News, Service updates
Clinical Press Release: Friday, 15th November 2024
As the first point of contact for many families seeking medical advice, GPs play a vital role in the early identification and ongoing care of children with potential spinal curvature issues.
Children's Health Ireland’s (CHI) Spinal Surgery Management Unit has streamlined the scoliosis referral pathway and is seeking GPs’ assistance in utilising digital referral forms and in requesting pre-hospital X-rays for these patients.
““When a GP refers a patient to CHI for consultation with the spinal team, there is now a dedicated pathway for the GP to order the patient’s x-ray in advance. In cases of suspected scoliosis, having an X-ray accompany the GP referral letter significantly improves the triage process, and ensures that urgent cases will be prioritised. By adopting these digital tools and pathways, GPs can help us to expedite diagnosis and treatment, ensuring children receive timely, quality care.”
It is important to ensure that all spinal referrals contain specific datasets to assist with triage of patients. For this reason, GPs are invited to visit www.childrenshealthireland.ie/spinal, where they can find a “GP Resource Pack”.
Digital Referral:
The GP Resource Pack contains information on the advised approach when a child presents with suspected scoliosis. This includes:
- History
- Examination
- Measurement
- Request radiology (see below)
- Refer to specialist service – via Healthlink
- Advice.
X-Ray Pathway:
GPs are also encouraged to order spinal X-rays and to include these with their referral to Children's Health Ireland. A specialised pathway allows for pre-assessment imaging, so that the Spinal Team in CHI has more information prior to the patient’s first consultation, minimising delays and providing families with a quicker path to answers.
If a GP suspects that a child has a spinal condition and/or requires further evaluation, they can request radiology from one of 18 X-ray facilities across the country (as detailed in the GP Resource Pack).
This initiative not only underscores the value of GPs in a patient’s scoliosis care journey but also emphasises that early detection and timely referral for specialist assessment are key to managing the condition effectively and preventing further complications.
Most importantly, faster, more seamless referral benefits children and families who are waiting for their consultation with Children's Health Ireland.